Italian defense firm Leonardo's CEO, Lorenzo Mariani, has expressed openness to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a six-generation fighter jet project currently involving Italy, the UK, and Japan. Mariani noted that Germany would bring significant capabilities, financial support, and know-how to the program, which aims to deliver a new aircraft by 2035. However, he also cautioned that integrating a new partner at this stage could potentially delay the target delivery date, citing existing concerns from Japan about the 2035 deadline due to the UK's defense funding challenges.
The prospect of Germany joining GCAP comes after the collapse of the competing French-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, which had been plagued by disputes over industrial work-share. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius presented three options for Germany's fighter needs: purchasing more F-35s, joining an existing international program like GCAP, or starting a new German-led program. Mariani, along with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, emphasized that Europe cannot afford multiple sixth-generation fighter programs, advocating for consolidation.
While Mariani acknowledged that the decision to add new partners rests with the participating governments, he highlighted the benefits of Germany's industrial expertise and a major budget for GCAP. Italy previously welcomed other nations, including Australia, to join the project to help share the substantial development costs, with Italy having backed a nearly $9 billion funding plan for GCAP. The FCAS project, which also included Spain, was estimated to cost around $100 billion, while GCAP is expected to be tens of billions.
Adding Germany to GCAP would not only provide a stronger financial and industrial base but also enhance the program's credibility in Europe. However, the existing partners — the UK (BAE Systems), Italy (Leonardo), and Japan (Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd, backed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) — would need to carefully manage any new entry to avoid the industrial disputes that contributed to the FCAS program's failure. The current members are working on defining the conditions for new countries to join, recognizing the balance between shared benefits and potential developmental impacts.
